Market Street Guest Post

Synopsis:  From Anita Hughes, author of Monarch Beach, comes Market Street, a delicious story of a department store heiress, her messy marriage, and her passion for food

Cassie Blake seems to lead a charmed life as the heiress to Fenton's, San Francisco's most exclusive department store. But when she discovers her husband, Aidan, a handsome UC Berkeley professor, has had an affair with a student, she flees to the comfort of her best friend Alexis's Presidio Heights mansion, where she wonders if she should give their marriage one more chance.

Whether or not she can forgive Aidan is not the only choice Cassie has to make. Cassie's mother is eager to have her oversee the opening of Fenton's new Food Emporium, which Fenton’s hopes will become San Francisco's hottest gourmet shopping destination. Cassie’s true passion has always been food, not fashion, and Cassie suspects her mother might be trying to lure her into the Fenton's fold by entrusting her with such an exciting opportunity. And then there is James, the architect designing the Emporium, who is quietly falling in love with her…

Meet the Author:  ANITA HUGHES is also the author of Monarch Beach. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and has taught Creative Writing at The Branson School in Ross, California. Hughes lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel.  

I am so excited to bring you a guest interview with the amazing Anita Hughes!

Favorite color, food, drink and animal? 
My favorite food is frozen yoghurt – especially Cake Batter, Chocolate Malt and Peanut Butter. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 
I love to walk along the beach with my dog. The Southern California coast is spectacular and on a clear day I can see Catalina Island. 

When/Why did you start writing? 
I started writing when I was a child. I loved to read and wanting to write myself just came naturally. I particularly liked thinking up the name of characters and writing first chapters! 

Where/When do you feel most comfortable writing? 
I write first thing in the morning, and then sporadically all day whenever I get a chance. In the evening I revise the day’s work and think up what I’m going to write the next day. I generally write on the loveseat in my bedroom which is very peaceful and has a lovely view of the golf course. 

Have you ever been inspired by another author? If so, who? 
I’ve always been inspired by authors! When I was a girl I read SEVENTEEN and was inspired by the short stories. When I was in college I was inspired by so many great women writers: George Eliot, George Sand, Mary McCarthy. Now I am inspired by any writer who writes a book that makes me want to stop everything I’m doing and just read. 

Is it hard to let the characters go once you complete a novel? 
It’s very hard to let characters go! I often find I’m thinking about them months after I finish writing a book. They become very real and I am genuinely concerned for their welfare. 

Where does your inspiration for a story come from? 
Sometimes my inspiration is just a nugget that grows into something more. My characters inspire me and eventually they tell their own story.

Do you have a favorite author?
I have so many favorite authors – I read constantly. I love Somerset Maugham, I read everything he wrote and I think I learned more from him than any other writer. I adore Penny Vincenzi. When I read her books, I am completely happy.

Connect:  You can connect with Anita online, Twitter, and Faceback.

Purchase:  You can purchase Market Street online at Amazon for $14.99 ($8.89 Kindle version).